Council gets green light for planning scheme

MORETON Bay Regional Council's new planning scheme has been finalised and approved without conditions by the Queensland Government for adoption by council.

Mayor Allan Sutherland thanked Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and the State Government for working closely with council to deliver a new planning scheme for one of Australia's fastest growing regions.

"This is a significant milestone for our community that delivers a blueprint for balanced growth while maintaining the lifestyle we all love about our region," Mayor Sutherland said.

Council has worked in partnership with the State Government to deliver a planning scheme that manages growth, protects areas of high environmental value and minimises, where possible, the community's exposure to natural hazards.

In what will be the first project of its kind for a coastal council in Queensland, the State Government has also committed to assist Moreton Bay Regional Council with the mapping of a localised, region-specific Erosion Prone Area Study.

The new, region-wide planning scheme provides the framework for a considered approach to the sustainable development of Australia's third largest local government area.

The Moreton Bay Region is expected to grow by more than 40 per cent to 550,000 people, similar to the entire state of Tasmania, within the next two decades.

"With more people moving to this region than any other place in South East Queensland, it's important that we plan for the future and it's even more important that we get it right," Mayor Sutherland said.

Council's Development and Planning spokesperson, Cr Mick Gillam said the new planning scheme would be adaptable to the future needs of the region and its residents.